Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c16.s1.t6.4

v2.c16.s1.t6.4

In 1954, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and India Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru exchanged visits to promote friendly intercourses between the two nations. The Buddhist circles were delighted and inspired. J Kashyap, the rector of Nalanda Institute, was the first to propose a joint effort to build a Memorial Hall for Xuanzang. Mr. Zhao Puchu, a lay Buddhist representing the Chinese Buddhist circle gave an active response. Such interaction received due attention and support from both countries. Zhou Enlai and Nehru decided that a memorial hall be erected at Nalanda, where Xuanzang had studied and worked, so as to commemorate his extraordinary contribution to cultural exchange between China and India.